Trump eyes plan that may give Elon Musk role in auditing U.S. agencies
Washington PostSep 16
Trump Pledges Musk-Led Govt Efficiency Commission if Elected
Above: Then-US President Donald Trump business leaders including Elon Musk at the White House on Jan. 23, 2017 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Former US Pres. Donald Trump announced on Thursday that if elected in November, he will have Elon Musk lead a government efficiency commission.
Trump said that the proposed commission would conduct "a complete financial and performance audit" of the federal government and recommend "drastic reforms."
The Spin
Republican narrative
Donald Trump and Elon Musk are forging an alliance that could reshape America's future. Their shared vision for border security and economic growth has now been topped by Trump's proposal for a Musk-headed commission under his future administration. This partnership, born from a mutual concern for the nation's direction, aims to leverage Musk's innovative thinking and vast resources to address critical issues. Together, they hope to tackle challenges like voter fraud and enhance America's competitiveness on the global stage.
Democratic narrative
The alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk poses a significant threat to American democracy and societal stability. Their disregard for established institutional norms could lead to reckless decision-making at the highest levels of government. Musk's vast wealth and technological influence, combined with Trump's political power, create a dangerous concentration of authority. This threatens the delicate balance of US democratic institutions and social progress and could bring extreme austerity to everyday Americans if it comes to pass.